Fender Jazzmaster 1962 NOS MasterBuilt Custom Shop

This is one of Thorn's more radical builds, and designed specifically for the previous and only owner. R119767 was ordered in 2018 via Rainbow guitars in Arizona, delivery promised in 2019, and actually arrived in 2020. The SFT has a little note at the bottom leaving the layout of the guitar to Ron Thorn to decide. Masterbuilt Custom Shops are often instruments ordered by customers to their own specific ideals, and the luthiers may not entirely agree, especially for the whacky ones. This one is a perfect mix of whacky requirements done to the luthier's satisfaction. Probably why it took an extra year...

Based on a 1962 Jazzmaster, R119767 is a 2 piece Alder finished in the most amazing deep red metallic (classified as 'sparkle') - the code is LAC, and described as Very Dark Cherry Red Sparkle. The sides and back are black. The neck is quartersawn roasted Maple, with a 7.25" radius, and vintage 45085 frets on an Ebony fretboard. The nut width is 1.65", the vital 1st and 12th stats being 0.82" to .90". A familiar Jazzmaster tremolo is paired with Thorn's RSD saddle. I'll dispel the myth - these units are adjustable for both height and intonation.

The 3 pick-ups are Curtis Novak Tissue box units and each has an on/off slider so you can select any and all. A Master Volume, Master Tone and Blender complete the controls. The blender operates on both Neck and Bridge pick-up, blending in and out the one that is not selected by the sliders. If the Neck and Middle are selected by the sliders, the blender knob will fade in the Bridge; if the Bridge and Middle are in play, the blender will fade in the Neck pick-up. Take the middle out of play and the same applies - the blender fading in the pick-up that is switched out.

These Tissue Box units are modelled on the Barney Kessel pick-ups originally made by Kay between '58 and '68 and are very similar in character to P-90s - very present mid-range and a strong treble. These are all wound to the customers' requirements - these are: Neck 8.75k, Middle 9.51k and Bridge 10.59k. Given the differences in Neck and Bridge DCR, the blender provides an interesting mix of the two depending on which pick-up is selected on the sliders. Selecting the Neck, the blender adds a spacey airiness. Select the Bridge and the blender calms the aggression. A huge variety of tones are therefore available.

The case is full of candy, and the CoA and SFT are present and correct in their binder.

It's as lovely to play as it is to look at, and a marvellous addition to any collection.